TOWN & COUNTRY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 849, 8 June 1888, Page 20

TOWN & COUNTRY.

The Boga Meat Preserving Company of Blenheim are using 6000 rabbits a week for tinning. Mr S. Crum, of Ashburton, left for Home by the s.s. Kaikoura, to fetch out a complete cider-making plant. The death is annonneed at Home of ike Rev, George Butt. Half a century ago he was in this Colony, associated with the late Bishop Selwyn. _ The death is announced in Nelson of Mr R. Shallcrass, well known as a former gaoler in that town. He was at the head of the police at the time of the Maungatapu murders, when Sullivan made such a notorious name for himself. A lecture was given at the Spiritualists’ Hall, Ingestre-street, last night week, by Mr J. E. Evans, on “ The (so-called) Phenomena of Spiritualism ” There was a good attendance, and Mr W. McLean was in the chair. The lecture was much appreciated, the .applause being very frequent and hearty.

The Gas Commission of New York has received numerous petitions praying for the substitution of eleotrieity for gas in lighting the streets of the oity. The Commission recently received fourteen bids from electric lighting companies-for the lighting contract the ensuing year. These bids are lower than any previous ones, and it is likely that some of them will be entertained. It will be remembered that some months ago a little girl, daughter of Mr H. Marsh, of Masterton, says the Star, with great pluck and presence of mind, rescued a child from being gored by a cow. The other day Mr Marsh, to his astonishment, received a letter from a gentleman in the Old Country stating that he had read an account of the heroic exploit, and enclosed an order for £1 to the little heroine.

The Fire Brigade Committee reported at last week's Council meeting that they had had under consideration the application of the Fire Underwriters’ Association for assistance in the formation of a salvage corps for the city, but they thought it necessary to obtain further information before making a recommendation in the matter. They had therefore instructed the Town Clerk to make certain inquiries on the subject. They expected to be able to make their report at the next meeting of the Council. The report was adopted.

A communication has been received by biaWoiship the Mayor from Messrs Manlove, Alliott, Fryer, and Co., engineers, etc., of Nottingham, stating that they had received the Council’s letter informing them that the Corporation had-decided on Mr Higginson’s report to adopt their destructor system, and .after carefully, .considering the matter they .had concluded to send a four.celled destructor'and fume cremator. The firm also state that they will have much pleasure under the oircumstance.s in executing the order at something below their ordinary price.

A number of valueless cheques have recently been passed in the city, as many as four cases being reported to the police yesterday week. To three of the cheques, amounting to £l4, the name of Mr Andrew Young was forged, while the name of Dmiel Cronin ‘was signed to the fourth, which amounted to £4. One of the cheques to which Mr Young’s name was signed was passed in the Gear Meat Company’s Cuba-street shop, the man who tendered it stating that he was a driver for Mr Young. The other cheques were also successfully passed to local tradesmen. The whole of the forgeries were drawn upon the Bank of New South Wales.

A most unusual incident, and one attended with considerable personal danger, happened on the main Grey road one evening last week, just after da- k. The Argus reports that, as Mr Wilson and Mr Mansou were driving to town, the former discerned through the gathering gloom a bullock with his head lowered, as if lie meant serious business. He had scarcely uttered a word.. of. warning to Mr Mauson when the infuriated beast made a desperate charge at the horse ; but, although he missed his apparent object of attack, he wrecked the buggy, sending Mr Wilson one way and Mr Msnson another, and releasing two greyhounds that were in the vehicle. The horse broke away with the shafts, but returned soon after. Mr Mansou appears to have escaped with nothing worse than a severe shaking, and Mr Wilson, sustained some bruises about the body.

Pursuant to notice Councillor Petherick moved at the meeting of the City Council last week Treasurer, .Rate Collector, City Valuer, Inspector of Nuisances, and all persons who are reoeiving by monthly instalments an annual sum of above £l5O, be reduced 10 per cent, on such payments, and also the captain of the Fire Brigade’s salary be reduced aB above.” Councillor G. Allen seconded the motion pro. forma. In discussing the motion, the Mayor Baid that the work done by the officers of the Counoil would compare very favorably with that done in any office in New Zealand. On being put the motion was lost, no one but the mover voting for it. Councillor Petherick then moved, “That the City; Surveyor and all persons under his charge who are now receiving l>y monthly or other payments the sum or sums above £l5O per annum be reduced 10 par cent, on such payments.” This was seconded pro forma by. Councillor Brandon, who stated that he did so in order that the mover could not bring the same matter before the Council for a period of Bix months. The motion met the same fate as the previous one. The mover, however, intimated that he would move in the matter again. > "

The Chinese question in Melbourne ia assuming a new phase. A Chinese passenger by the 8.8. Afghan, who was not allowed to land, has, doubtless prompted by a keen money-making lawyer, issued atwrit against the Collector of Customs, claiming £IO,OOO damages. Our message says that if the suit should prove successful eieven other cases will follow. Tho success of this trial suit is very doubtful. At a special meeting of the City Counoil last ' night week the following rates for the current year were struck :—General rate, Is in the pound ; water rate, 5 per cent full rate, per cent half-rate, 2k per cent stores and warehouses ; special rate ,for interest on city improvements loan), 6d in the pound ; hospitable and charitable aid rate, 4d in the \ pound. The Mayor explained that the rates were the same as those struck iu previous years, with the exception that au extra Id had been'levied for charitable aid. The first annual general meeting of shareholdersin the E. Ashcroft Company (Limited) was held on Wednesday last week at J;he Company’s office in Molesworth-street, a full quorum of shareholders being present. The Directors’ report and balance-sheet were taken as read. Mr G. Randall Johnson, M.L.C., who retired from the Board by rotation, was elected a Director. Tho Chairman, Mr G. Beetham, M.H.R., then addressed those present upon the business of the Company, which was in a satisfactory condition. After discussing the various electrical works oarried out by the Company tho meeting terminated. At the meeting of the Board of College Governors and Girls’ High School last week Dr Henry, pursuant to notice, moved that a drill instructor and a teacher of singing be appointed to the Girls’ High School. The Chairman (Mr J. R. Blair) 'informed the mover that he understood that n liberal offer had been made to Mr R. Parker, which no doubt would be accepted, so that the matter of a singing master would be got over. He expressed a hope that the mover would see fit to withdraw the motion. The Mayor seconded the motion pro forma. After a short discussion, however, the mover, at the sug. gestion of the Chairman, withdrew it, but it was understood that he would bring it np again. ' ; A very pleasing ceremony was performed at the meeting of the City Council last week, his Worship the Mayor, ou behalf of the residents of Hokitika, presenting Mr D. W. Virtue, formerly a resident of that town, but whohas nowentered business in tbisojty, with a very handsome illuminated' 7 ' address,' his Worship, in a"'few well chosen words, made the presentation. The,- address was as follows:—“Wo feel it a dnty incumbent upon us’ to express our regret at .your removal from Hokitika,-after your lengthened leaidence of 23 years. We caneot but deplore the circumstances, a 3 it deprives' the community of one of its bast citizens and truest friends. In social and public matters you have ever taken the' liveliest interest, and yonr motto -has always been ‘ The greatest good for 1 the greatest number,’ irrespective of all other considerations. In the Various public positions you have occupied you have ever evinced those high principles »nd sterling qualities which are engendered from honor, able and laudable motives. .We may also add that there are many besides ourselves who will mis 3 you, but who will' nevertheless bless the memory of your good and charitable deeds, and pray that you may long be spared to help the poor and needy, and to afford consolation to those who are broken in spirit. In conclusion, we beg to tender you our warmest regards, and' wishing you, and those near and dear to you, every happiness and prosperity.” Mr Virtue responded in a very happy speech, in which he expressed his gratitude to his fellow-citizens, and he said the value of their kind address had been -very much enhanced by the manner in which it had been presented. The usual monthly meeting of the Board of Governors of the College and Girls’ High School was held in the Education Board’s office yesterday week, there being present —Messrs J. R. Blair (chairman), C. B. Izard, M.H.R., Dr Newman, M.H.R., Dr Henry, and the Mayor. The Chairman stated that the finances of the' College / were as follow:—Overdraft at bank, £682 12s 2d ; amount required for pay ment, £137 19s lid; which left a debit balance of £B2O 123 4d. Against this there were fees and arrears due amounting to £127 ? fees due for second term, £570 3s 6d ; and rents, £ll6 15s 2d ; making a total of £773 ISs Bd, which left a debit balance of £46 17s Sd. With rngard to the question as to whether the funds of the College and Girls’ High School were distinct, or whether one common fund, it was stated that Mr Bell bad submitted a written opinion to the effect that under the Act of 1887 the funds of the two institutions were really one fund. After some discussion on the matter it was decided, on the motion of Dr Newman, seconded by Dr Henry, that the accounts and minutes of the College and Girls’ High School be amalgamated ; that no separate accounts of the governing bodies of the two schools be kept in future ; and that one banking account be kept, the resolution to take effect as from the Ist April last. It was also decided that a separate set of books for each school be kept as heretofore for the satisfaction of the Board. The amount required for payment was passed. With re. gard to the Girls’ High School it was stated that the overdraft at the bank was £IOO7 5s sd; payments required, £lO7 15s 7d ; fees and arrears due, including thoßO for the second term, £545 19a lid; and rents due, £l6 17s. The amount required was passed for payment. Diarrhoea, Dysentery, and Colic. —It ought to be more generally known through, out New Zealand, that Freeman’s Original and Genuine Chlorodyne is a specific for these prevalent Colonial Maladies. In Can. terbury and Auckland, many years ago, Freeman’s Chlorodyne acquired a very high reputation for arresting and curing these diseases. It is easy to understand, therefore, that Irceman’s Chlorodyne is now regarded by the colonists as a household remedy. The directions on each bottle are so clear, that the most inexperienced can administer it with perfect confidence to children, adults, and those of advanced life. Insist upon having * Freeman’s only. Trade mark, an Elephant. Sold everywhere. Obtainable from all chemists and storekeepers.

Mr Colin Allan, Secretary to the Labor Bureau, Dunedin, is authorised to frank letters, telegrams, and parcels on the public service.

The adjourned meeting of flfeditors in tho estate of James Balchin, painter, to have been held last Friday morning, again lapsed for want of a quorum. A man named William S. Fletcher, grocer, of this city, was arrested at the Bluff last Friday, on a warrant issued at Wellington, charging him with having deserted his wife and child. Tho accused was brought baok by last Wednesday’s steamer. Whatever has come over some portions of this Colony ? At the licensing poll last Friday atHeretaunga, .in the Hawkes Bay district, only one solitary individual recorded his vote, and yet the County Couucil were put to a large expense to record ono man’s opinions. The Tramway Company introduced to the publio-on Saturday some of the open cars known as “churches” which have been altered for the winter traffic. A roof has' been added, and each end is enclosed. Neat curtains are also provided, at the sides, which can be drawn o’ose should tne day turn out wet. The ears were well patronised during Saturday and Sunday, the public opinion being greatly in their favor.

The amount of Customs duties received at the port of Wellington for the past month was £23,31S 3s 9d. This sum was made up as follows : —Spirits, £4969 6s fid; cigars, cigarettes, etc., £409 Is 2d ; tobacco, £279S 19s 2d ; wines, £629 19s 7d ; ale and beer, £942 0s 6d ; tea, £3215 16s 6d ; coffee, cocoa, etc., £252 6s 3d ; sugar, molasses, etc., £1607 2s 3d ; opium, £4B ; goods by weight,. £3390 2s 4d ; goods ad valorem, £3469 9s lid ; other duties not specified, £1585 19s 7d.

& A sensation has been caused in Bulls, says the Advocate, by the announcement of the fact that a well-known resident, Mr Levi Newman, has just become heir to a baronetcy and £40,000. The news was quite as startling to the happy individual as it was to the outside public, for Mr Newman had not cherished the slightest anticipation of falling in for such a rare piece of fortune. The fact that Mr Newman has been doing laboring work in the district for years past makes the announcement all the more wonderful. Mr Newman goes Home shortly to finally arrange matters.

If more energy were displayed in developing the natural resources of this Colony there would be no necessity for the cry of depression being raised. One item comes under our notice, showing how our colonists are allowing strangers to reap benefits out of this country which should be kept here. American druggists aro exporting to'•New Zealand koromiko cordial, a proprietary medicine for the relief and cure of dysentery. As it is well known that the koromiko is a valuable plant indigenous to N- w Zealand, it is to be regretted that foreign enterprise has to step in, to tho detriment of local producers.

A meeting of creditors in the bankrupt estate of Ivor James, farmer, of Karori, was held at the Offioial Assignee’s office last Friday morning. There were four creditor* present, and Mr C. C. Graham presided. The debtor made a verbal statement as to his dealings in the.Btore with Mr Cole. He had no capital when he took up the farm. He stated that he was a married man with ten children, seven of whom he had to sup. port. He sold the store to Mr Clifford for £27, receiving £9 in cash, and an express and horse valued at £lB. He Bold the latter for £26, after paying £L4 for renairs to the express. After some further questions had been put to the creditor, the meeting adjourned for a fortnight. A very successful musical and dramatic entertainment was given by the Sacred Heart Society in aid of the St Vincent de Paul Society on Friday night, at the Marist Brothers School. There was a very largo attendance, and the entertainment gave great satisfaction. The play performed was a two-act drama, entitled “The Hidden Gem,” and the following was the cast of characters Euphemianus, Geo. Mahoney ; Alexius, S. Ross ; Carinus, F. Ross ; Proculus, J. Gamble; Eusebius, A. Smith ; Bibulus, E. Gormley; Davus, F. Brown; Ursulas, T. Redmond ; Verna, T. Kearney ; Gannio, W. Scanlon ; Imperial Chamberlain, G. Brown; an officer, E. Scanlon; two robbers, F. McCarthy and B. Finucane. During the evening musical selections were given as follow :—Vocal duet, “Life is o’er, farewell,” Mi«ses McDonald and O’Driscoll; song, No sir!” Miss Ross ; song, “ My queen,” Mr J. P. Dunne; song, “Kathleen Mavourneen,’’ Mis 3 McKeegan ; song, *• The old folks at Home,” W. Ross. Miss O’Driscoll very ably presided at the piano. The proceeds of the entertainment will substantially increase the funds of the Society. The establishment of Mr J. E. Hayes, Lambton-quay, was la3t Friday the scene of an exhibition which we think decidedly unique in the history of engineering concerns. We refer to the trial of Spratt’s patent “ Improved preparation of food for animals, game, and poultry,” the subject-matter of which was compounded into dough, stamped into square biscuits, baked in a gas-oven, and served up hot in the presence of a number of gentlemen, who evidenced great interest in proceedings, and who expressed the opfnion, when the finished article came into view, that it looked quite tempting enough for higher game than specified in the title. The patent food is compounded of wheatflour, oatmeal, lentil-flour, flesh reduced to pulp, dates, sulphur, phosphate of lime, carbonate of iron, and any suitable spice—as essence of peppermentyfor instance—together with as much beetroot as will amount to about one-tenth in weight of all the other constituents. The food is evidently designed to provide in a handy form all the farinacions and mineral elements necessary for the animal economy, and we have no doubt would prove highly beneficial to the health of domestic animals provided with it.

Tho New Zealand Shearers’ Union is said not to be a success# They were £4OO in dobt to the head office.

l*he Thot'ndofl Rifles started with the first period of class-firing ott Saturday last. The highest scorers were Color-SergOaiit G.Easton, G 3 ; Sergeant Gurtsen, 59 ; Private Guilford, 54 ; Private Barker, 53 ; LanceCorporal Haddon, 49;' Lance-Corporal Stark, 49 ; Corporal Edmonds, 46'; Private Cloke, 46.

The annual meeting of the Committee for the Hutt and Epuni licensing districts was held at the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Lower Hutt, last Friday morning. There were present—Messrs J. Banson (chairmaul, S. Smith, J. Wilkin, W. Millie, and C. W. Brown. Renewals wore granted to IT. J. Tidswell, Travellers’ Rest, Taita ; J. D. Pinkerton, Railway Hotel, Lower Hurt; J. Guilford, Family Hotel, Lower Hutt ; and J. Crawford, Central Hotel, Lower Hutt. Tho Committee then adjourned. George Routledge, at tho dinner given him on his retirement from business, said that he had frequently issued 10,0 0 copies of “ Uncle Tom’s Cabin ” in one day ; that it was a common thing Vo see all the occupants of a first-class railway carriage reading tiiia book, and that his house alone bad printed 500,000 copies of it. He had sold of two other American hooks 80,000 copies of “The Wide, Wide World,” aud 14,000 copies of “ Queecliy.’ 1 A novelty in the shape of a “ potato race ” took place at the Columbia Skating Rink on Saturday night. There were six competitors for the event, which resulted in a tie between L. King and J. Hume. F. King had a good lead, und would undoubtedly have won, but ho-fiuished before'gatherin'.'in the required number... of potatoos, and did not discover his mistake until it was too late. Subsequently it was decided in consequence of a hitch in judging the event, that the race should be run again next Saturday.

Mr Joseph Nathan, who is leaving the employ of Messrs P. Hayman and Co. to start in business on bis own account at Westport, whs presented with a gold locket, suitably engraved, by his fellow employes, on Saturday last. The ..presentation was made by M r Kellow, accountant of the firm, in a few felicitous words, and Mr Nathan suitably responded. An adjournment was then made to the Club Hotel, where Mr Nathan's health was drunk, and many wishes were expressed for his iuture prosperity. The annual mooting of the Kaiwhara Licensing Committee was held at the schoolhouse atlnid-day on Saturday, the following members b ing present : —Messrs W. Durrell (Chairman). Garden, Storey, Cameron, and Bergen. The license of the Rainbow Inn was transferred from Samuel d. Snelling to Walter F. Jenkins, and the new licensee obtained a renewal, A renewal of the license of the Waterloo Hotel was granted to Agnes Mullins (who was represented by Mr Skerrett) on the condition that the house should be rebuilt before the noxt annual meeting. On Wednesday, the 30th ultimo, the Presbytery ol Wellington mot in St. John’s Church for the purpose of taking Mr William Grant on trials for license in accordance with the ecclesiastical usages of the Scotch' Church. , The ceremony was of an impressive character. The motion for proceeding to license was made by the R«v John Moir, the venerable father of the Presbytery, seconded by Mr John McLean, ruling elder. The resolution was cordially sustained by the other members of the Court. The Moderator, tho Rev C. S. Ogg, M. A., then addressed to. the candidate the prescribed questions, and these having been satisfactorily answered, the Rev Mr Ogg, in a prayer of much beauty and solemnity, followed by a suitable and excellent charge, licensed the Rev Mr Grant as a preacher of the’ gospel, under the authority of the Presbyterian Churchin New Zealand. The members then gave the right-hand of fellowship to Mr Grant ; and the Clerk of Presbytery, the Rev J. Kennedy Elliott, was instructed to minute the proceedings iu the Presbytery Book and furnish an attested certificate of licensure. The Rev Mr Grant has for some months supplied the pulpit of St. John's ia absence of the Rev James Paterson, pastor loci, with very great , aoceptanco, and there is anticipated for him au honored and useful ministry.

The Beries of photographs which Messrs Josiah Rogers and Co., of Invercargill, have secured of Mr Dougal s visit to the far South, are meeting with a good sale in thia city. Few persons are aware of the grand, rugged and weird scenery which exists in the little known and far away islands which lie some 400 or 500 miles south of New Zealand. Last January the, Stella paid a visit to the Auckland, Campbell, Antipodes aud Bounty Islands, and Mr Dougal was very successful in securing some charming views in each island. One. main point in these photographs is the now light thrown on the habits and numbers of sea birds who make their home in those remote and desolate spots. Views Nos. 42 and 47 give some idea of the hauuts of penguins and mollyhawks on the Bounty Islands. The bare and picturesque rocks are covered with tens of thousands of these birds. Nos. 44 and 45 aie capital instantaneous yiewa at close quarters of a group of birds on their nests. For grand scenery Nos. 36 to 39 show what may be seen in the Antipodes Island. There are four splendid views of Epigwaite, Auckland Islands, showing remains of the ill-fated vessel, the Grafton, wrecked there some time ago; also, views of the huts erected by the survivors of the barque Derry Castle, wrecked a little over a twelvemonth ago. These pictures alone, showing what perils exist in these latitudes, are worth the troubles of the journey the artist underwent to secure them. The whole series gives a grand idea of the wild stormy seas, the inhospitable coasts, the magnificent rocky scenery of those far away dependencies of New Zealand.

The cable steamer SUerard Osbol'iitf Was thrown opon to visitors on Sunday, and eho Was the centre of attraction during the day. In tho afternoon several hundreds of people took advantage of the opportunity to inspect her. We beg to acknowledge receipt of a oopy di “The Advertisers' A B C of Official Scales and Charges and Advertisement Press Directory of the United Kingdom, India, and the Colonies,” published by 1\ B. Brown, of 163, Queen Victoria-street, London, E.C. In the South people are much exercised ever the ingreditats of sausages. The Otago Daily Times investigated the matter, aud another paper sums the m&tter up as follows “ The moral of the Times’ inquiries is that the consumer of sausages runs a very big risk of contracting hydatids, cancer, tuberculosis, trichinosis, and various other ills to which Hooks and herds are heiffli”

The liabilities df the bankrupt estate of M. O’Brien, messenger, Si's set down at £2SS 17a aud assets, consistifig of furniture, at £3O. The Empire Loan and Discount Co. are the only secured creditors, the amount beiug £3O. The principal unsecured creditors are B. Blower, £47 15s 6d, and A.A. Barnett, £2B. The first meeting of creditors will be held on Friday, at 11 a m.

fr. A meeting of surveyors was held at the Athenaeum building on Monday for the purpose of discussing matters with reference to else establishment of a New Zealand Institute of Surveyors. There were about 30 persons present, and J. McKerrow{durvey or-General) occupied tho chair. After considering the matter it was decided to form an institute. Draft rules which had been drawn up were placed before the meeting, and these will be submitted for tho consideration of Associations in the various oentres throughout the Colony.

The Ross Advocate says There is at present in the Bank of Neiv Zealand, Ross, a useful aud valuable ornament-one that might even grace the gilded bracket of any lordly manor—in the shape of a lump of quartz, enriched with gold, which is shown to advantage in a glass jar filled with water. The lump, which weighs from eight to ten pounds, shows gold here and there all round. It was taken from the bottom of the William Tell winze, at a depth of about 80ft below the No. 1 level. Its value has been variously estimated at from ten to fifteen ounces to the ton.

There has been a lot of exaggerated talk lately about the exodus from New Zealand to Australia, aud all kinds of gloomy predictions have been hazarded as to results, nothing less than the utter collapse of the Colony being anticipated by some pessimists. Well, it is cheering to get a peep at the other Bide of the picture, aud to he assured that there is a probability of au early turn of the tide from Australia here. The other day wemot a quondam ■ acquaintance who, a few weeks ago, sold out of New Zealand and hastened to Melbourne, there to appropriate to his special profit some of the good things that it was said could be had for the picking up. But, strange to relate, he found Melbourne in a shockingly depressed state as far as new arrivals from Now Zealand were concerned. There were unemployed by the hundred, all thoroughly disillusionised with regard to the prospects of a Dorado there. Work was not to ba had. The labor market was glutted and scores of unemployed were suffering the pangs of absolute want. Our informant went through the city, thoroughly satisfied himself as to the position, and then, like a wise man, turned his face to the rising sun and made his way back to maligned New Zealand with the utmost dispatch. And what is more, he can find work to do here, and has taken his coat off and means to ‘broil in ” and help the Colonial Treasurer make two ends meet.

tJThere was a good attendance of teachers on Saturday morning at the Athenaeum. The report for the past year was read and, after discussion, adopted. One clause in- the report, referring to the want of interest of the members and to t.be small attendance at the meetings held during the year, led to some discussion. The general opiniou ap peared to be that, compared with other oentres of population, the attendance had been good. Mr Lee (Inspector of Schools) and Mr Lewis (Thorndon) were elected members. ' After the disposal of some routine business, the President (Mr McMorr.ui) introduced a discussion on training colleges. He admitted' that it might appear folly in the present aspect of affairs to discuss the resolutions submitted, but the subject had been selected some months ago, and it certainly was desirable that teachers should thoroughly discuss and come to some conclusion as to the need, or otherwise, of any special training for teachers. After considerable debate, the two following resolutions were carried:—“That some special training of teachers —in addition to the usuaj pupil-teacher course—is necessary ;” and , “ That it is further necessary that Government should maintain a Training College for teachers in one of the University to-ns.” Tho chief reason urged in favor of the secoud resolution was, that us Government by establishing free State schools had created a monopoly of elementary education, and, further, had made attendance at such schools compulsory, it was needful that tho State should make the teaching in such schools efficieut, and thoroughly efficient teaching was only consistent with efficient training of teaohers. A third resolution, bearing on the mode of admission to such an institution—wherein it was shown that suen training college might be made largely self-support-ing was withdrawn. A conversation ensued as to the projected education retrenchment proposals, but no resolutions bearing on them were submitted. One and all referred with regret to the proposed abolition of Education Bbards, and agreed that such a proceeding would tend to lessen the local interest taken in schools and in education.

General Lord Wolseley, of whom so mucin mention has lately been made with reference, to the defence question at Home, complstett jiis 55Hi birthday on Monday. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, have appointed Mr W illiam Olliver as wool and produce manager at Melbourne, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation ol Mr I. Younghushand, who intends making a visit to England.

Mr C. Storey, for many years in till? Postoffice at Whangaiei, has been promoted tip the Post-office at Marton. As Mr Storey is Me of the most obliging officers in the service,, and an enthusiastic Volunteer to boot, Marton is to be congratulated upon this latest acquisition to the town.

Considerable excitement was caused on Lambton-quay Sunday night by a young lady who fell iu a fit near Mr Littlejohn’s Bhop. The street was very crowded at the time, it being about 8.30 p.m., and a largo crowd gathered round. Willing assistance was, however, at hand, and the lady was conveyed to her home. The annual meeting of the Johnsonville> LiceSsisg Committee was held on Monday, there bfriffg present Messrs Anderson, (chairman), Bowler, Chapman, Guilford, and Springay. Renewals of licenses were granted to W. H. Saunders, of Saunders and Co., and to A. H. Bennie, of the Railway Hotel. Tins was all the business. Amongst the passengers on Ssudsy by the s.B. Penguin, from the South, is German. Prince, who with a numerous rst-mue is travelling incognito. The Prince, wkoisa, near relative to the present Emperor of Germany, has lately made a tour of AustraSiaand the Southern portion ot thia island. Has stay in Wellington will be a short one, as hois anxious Jo get back to Germany as soon as possible. , A rumor that there would be s meeting o£ the unemployed at the junction of street and Victoria-street oa Sunday afternoon caused a large number of people to congregate at that corner. Betweeu the hours of 3 and 5 p.rn. fnily 200 people passed repassed the place. An itinerant preacher made the most of : tho golden opportunity, however, and, in a lengthy discourse, sought to point a moral and adorn a tale. However many'enemies Mr C. H. Spurgeon may have made by his secession fron* the Baptist Union, be still has a very t-»rg& number of friends who uphold him in his* action, and who took occasion to show their sympathy in a practical way at tiie annual diuner of the Pastors’ College (held just before the mail left), when £3700 was eoilected, a sum nearly doable the amount ever given at any former gathering. The annual meeting in the Tabernacle on the following evening was of a most enthusiastic character, the vast building being crowded with those who wished to sympathise with the worthy President.

The two latest additions to the excellent Indian and Col nial series of popular novels published by Messrs Kegan Paul, Trench and Co., are Mrs Linnteus Banks’ exciting of old Chester, “God’s Providence House ” —a remarkable and venerable building, which still .stands in that most interesting English city; and Colonel Meadows Taylor’s powerful Indian tale “Seeta,” one of his best works. Both of these books aro so widely different from the regular modern novel, while sensational enough in tlieic special class to please anybody, that they are sure -to fiud numbers of delighted readers in their present cheap and attractive form. For specimen copies of these works we are indebted to Messrs Lyon and Blair, who have received a supply for sale.

In honor of his silver wedding day, which occurred on April 11, Sir Morell Mackenzie has received from the German Emperor a very beautiful basket of flowers adorned with three long silk ribbons—that on tho right purple, and adorned with the_ portrait of the Emperor ; that on the left light blue, with the portrait of the Empress and Her Majesty’s monogram in gold ; the middle one golden colored, and insetibed “ Morell Mackenzie,” with the dates 11, 4,188 S, and 11, 4, 1913, a graceful expression of the hone that he will live to celebrate his golden wedding. The letters and figures are beautifully embroidered, aud surrounded by branches of laurel aud myrtle worked in silver and gold respectively. The basket was accompanied by an autograph letter of thanks for the “faithful services rendered to the Emperor.’’

A correspondent signing himself “Safety ” writes to us as follows: —“I believe there is a law in force in New Zealand that makes it compulsory for hotelkeepers to provide means of escape from their premises in the event of fire breaking out. I hope that before the present session of Parliament comes to a close the above mentioned law will be so amended as to make .it extend to boardinghouses also. There are several large restaurants in Wellington generally full of lodgers; for the most part they are mere constructions of dry timber and iron, and during a three months’ residence in one of them I never could see that any means of making a hasty exit were in existence should the necessity for doing so arise. It will appear plain at once to the most casual observer that such a state of things should not be allowed to continue longer. As a leader of public opinion, I hope you will take up thi3 matter and be instrumental in having a better state of things brought about.” We heartily support our correspondent's sugges. tion, and hope that it will be acted upon.

“Invention” says that two patent pens are at present producing to their fortunate inventors £40,000 a year each ; and that the man wno first thought of fastening a little piece of indiarubbei to the end of a leadpencil made £20,000 out of his idea. But one inventor has discovered a bonanza greater than these. A certain Amaricau engineer own 3 a patent for a tu le-weli, aud this is said to be worth £600,000 a year to him. The machine is used on nearly every farm in the United States. Such, at least, is the story ; but we prefer to read dollars instead of pounds, The invention of tho roller skate produced, however, £200,000 ; and the invention of the needle threader, which is sold in the streets for id, has brought in over £2,000 a year for soma tiaia past. Who would not be an inventor ?

The Volunteers in Otago are about to be •drilled in night alarms under the oommaud <vf Lieutenant-Colonel Wales,

The man George Ewart, who has already been committed for trial on a charge of stealing a, gun at Maatorton, was taken to Napier on Wednesday in charge of Constable McCarthy, to answer a charge of larceny. H'i We are favored with a copy of “A Treatise <on the Licensing Act,-ISBI, and the Amend* ment Act, ISS2, and the discussions thereon,” by Mr C. B. Morisor*, barrister and solicitor. We hope to have the pleasure of reviewing this eminently useful work at an early date. In the bankrupt estate of G. H. Smith, commercial traveller, the liabilities are set down at £94 4s 2d, and assets £2O. The principal creditors are—Opunake Dairy Factory, £S ; United Importers Company, £5 ; Occidental Gold Mining Company, 15 14s 7<l ; Theatre Royal Company, Napier, £ls 4s 4d ; bankrupt estate of P. A. Rive, £lO 5s 3d ; Hawkes Bay Woollen Manufacturing Company, £5. The first meeting of creditors will be held on Monday next. In New South Wales the total cost to the State, per pupil, of educating children in ISSG and 1887 was, respectively, as follows: In ordinary publip schools, for'the year’s enrolment, £3 8s 9d and £3 4s lid ; in ordinary public schools, for the average attendance, £5 17s 6a and £5 13s 6d ; in superior public schools, for the year’s enrolment, £2 6s 4d and £2 Os Id ; in superior public schools, for the average attendance. £4 and £3 9s 4d ; in high schools, for the year’s enrolment, £5 4s 5d and. £5 6s 9d; in high schools, for the average attendance, £7 ,6s 5d and £7 13s. The first meeting of the new Committee of the Wellington Athenaeum took place on Monday. Present—Messrs Rous Marten (President), Richmond, Alien, Gray, Flanagan, Tregoar, Innes, Evatt, Robertson, and Taylor (Secretary). A large amount of necessary routiue business was transacted, Mr Richmond reported the result of his preliminary inquiries as to new premises, and the matter was referred to a sub-committee to report in a fortnight. Several very suitable suites of rooms were stated to be available. It was Also mentioned that many fresh subscribers had given in their names for the new year. The Secretary-was instructed to communicate with booksellers nith reference to an adequate supply of books. Library and House Committees were appointed, and the meeting then adjourned for a fortnight. According to Fire and Water, Field- Afarshal Whitcomb, of Boston, U.S.A., has been recently experimenting with rats and matches, shut up together in a cage, in order to ascertain whether they were likely to cause fires or not. In the absenoe of other known cause, frequent fires have been ascribed to their agency, while at the same time many underwriters affected to scoff at the idea. The ‘ question may, however, ' now he considered as settled. The very first night that Marshal Whitcomb’s rats were left alone with the matches four fires were caused, and not a day passed while the experiment was being tried that fires were not set in this- way. The rats were well fed, but they seemed to find something in the phosphorus that they liked, it was noticed that only the phosphorus ends wer gnawed, and in nearly every instance the matches were' dragged away from the spot where they had been laid. The annual spring influx of immigrants (writes the New York correspondent of the Daily News) is larger than usual. They are coming now at the rate of a thousand a day j and nearly 54,000 have (April) arrived since January 1. This is 3000 more than the first three months of last year. The news is publi-hed from London that the rush of Irish immigrants is so great that the Transatlantic Companies are unable to accommodate them. This must be a sudden increase, for the Irish have not been arriving in especially large numbers lately. Speaking recently of the immigration, Mr Jackson, the Superintendent of Castle Garden, said that out of 10,190 persons who lauded ia January, 2153 were from the United Kingdom, including 1103 Englishmen, 638 Irishmen, 222 Scotchmen, and 189 Welshmen. The Italians flocked in to the number of 21.29, Germans 1856, Russians 1091, and Hungarians 1064. About the same distribution of nationalities was shown in 15,157 immigrants who landed in February and 28,500 who came in March. The destination of the great majority of immigrants is the North-west.

Sir Donald Carrie’s picture of the mineral wealth of South Africa is as bright as the nuggets he exhibited at a recent meeting of the Royal Colonial Institute. The production of gold has increased ta proportion as stampers have been got to work, and the output for the first three months of the present year has been nearly equal to the output in 1887. Taking into account what has been retained for use in the country and the amount exported, the production has already reached a total value of a million sterling per annum, and that by no means indicates the limit. The Transvaal Exchequer has benefited very materially from the discoveries of gold in their territory, the latest return showing that mining licenses realised £600,000 per annum. The effect of the discovery of so much gold upon trade has been marked. The exports and imports have materially increased, the Customs duties have grown, and the revenues of the railways have almost doubled. The diamond mines are still highly productive ; the copper mines are turning out rich ore ; and silver lead, and coal afe also to be found amODg the mineral resources of the country. It the politicians, Home and Colonial, will only deal wisely with the country, South Africa should make progress.

A consumptive from Sydney went to Napier specially to be treated at the N apior Hospital.

It is satisfactory to know that Herr Rudolph Falb, the earthquake prophet, is out of his reckoning for this month so far. He foretold that terrestrial disturbances would happen ou June 3rd, 4th, and oth. His next dates are the 21st and 28th of this month, which we hope are as far from being correct as those of the past few days.

As an instance of the severity with which the new tariff will press, we (Advocate) may mention that Messrs Henderson Bros., of Marton, months ago, ordered from America new machinery for milling purposes. This machinery is now on its way to New Zealand, and on its arrival the importers will have to pay £250 in duty, the impost being 90 per cent. Here is another example :Mr Evans, of Timaru, has on the way to New Zealand milling machinery to the value of £SOOO. On this, the duty will be £IOOO. Cases of this kind bring home to the humblest understanding the iniquities of Froteetion.

The liquor bill for the month of May, which was read at the meeting of the Hospital Trustees on Tuesday afternoon, showed that during the month 26 patients consumed 149 pints of spirits, wines, and malt liquors, being about 5g pints perpatienFor the corresponding month last year the amount consumed was 9J pints per patient. The amours ordered by the hon Medical Staff was as follows : --Dr Collins, 8 patients, PG pints ; Dr Cole, 7 patients, 7 pints ; Dr Robertson. 7 patients, 32 pints ; Dr Fell, I patient, IS pints ; and Dr King, 3 patients, 22 pints.

A meeting of the Poultry, Pigeon an , d Canary Association was held at Mr D* Hyde a shop, Lambton-quay, on Tuesday evening. There was a considerable attendance, and Mr Hydewas in the chair. It was decided to ask Mr Walker, of Christchurch, Mr White, o Masterton, and Mr King, of Carterton, to act as judges at the show in the classes they might select; also to ask Messrs Walker (Christchurch) and Hopwell (Wellington) to judge the pigeons, and Messrs Bruce and Wilson (Wellington) the canaries. lhe prizes for the art union which is held annually in connection with the show are verv valuable this year. The first prize consists of a handsome marble-top side-board mirror, the second a chest of drawers, and the third a well-finished cheffonier. A great many other good prizes are also promised. A feature in connection with the first, second and third prizes is the fact that an airangement has been made with Mr Fielder, at whose shop they are on view, that any other article or articles of the value of these prizes may be taken by the winner instead.

The return of patients which was laid before the Hospital Trustees at their meet, ing on Tuesday afternoon showed that during the past month 36 males and 32 females had been treated. Of this number 20 males and 11 females were discharged cured, 7 males and 12 females were discharged relieved, aud 6 males and 5 females unrelieved. Three males and 4 females died at the institution during the month. The number of patients remaining under treatment was stated at 70 males and 26 females. The Chairman drew attention to the fact that owing to the increasing popularity of the institution, tne number of patients who were arriving from other parts for treatment was getting larger. He therefore suggested that the amount to be paid by such patients should be raised from £L per week to £1 10s, as they could nob afford to treat them at the rate of 3s per day. Mr Kebble thought that if all the wards were full 3s per day Bhould nay them. The Chairman said that they had to consider the expenses of the institution as a whole, and against that take the number of patients. Mr Van Staveren stated that their first duty was to the ratepayers, and he considered that they should not place the burthen of subsidies on the ratepayers’ shoulders. He strongly endorsed the Chairman’s suggestion. After some further discussion Mr Luke proposed, aud Mr Taylor seconded a motion, “ That the charge for patients outside the "Wellington district be raised to 30s. The motion was carried.

The ordinary meeting of the ' Hospital Trustees was held at the Council Chambers on Tuesday afternoon. Present—MessrsF. H. Fraser (chairman), S. Danks, G. Allen, G. M. Kebbell, J. Taylor, C. Willeston, C. M. Luke, and Rev H. Van Staveren. The House Committee recommended in their usual report that the opiniou of the Trustees’ solicitor be obtained as to whether “ any person receiving a pension either from the English or New Zealand Governments, and being a recipient of Hospital aid," the pension can be impounded for the benefit of the Hospital. It further recommended that a table be procured for the House Surgeon’s sittingroom, also that various names be struck off the statement book of in-patients. The report was adopted. The Secretary stated that in accordance wifcb instructions received at tne last meeting he had insured the'furniture of the Hospital for £SOO. With reference to a letter which was received from the Govern, ment in which an offer was made that certain subsidies, which were overpaid in error, should be spread over a period of ten years, it was decided that the matter be referred to the House Committee for them to investigate. The Chairman stated that Dr Newman had asked a question in the House with reference to the reserves whioh were to be set aside for purposes of charitable aid, and he had been answered that the previous Government had declared their intention not to have anything to do with the matter, and - they (the present Government) were going to pursue the same polioy. A statement of the cost of the work in connection with the recent additions to the Hospital was received from the Public Works Department, in which it was shown that a balance of £166 10s 7d still remained unpaid. It was decided to inform the Department that as the Trustees were unaware that they would have to pay she cost of preparing plans and the salarv »r. overseer, no provision had been mad - ‘-he amount during the present ;• •< aud it would there, fora have lost-ao-i .>»' r until next year. The Trustees then went into committee.